John Stevens wrote this article: In the important matters in life – relationships (which are the most important components of a balanced life) and professional excellence, a good coach can make all the difference in helping you see where you can improve. The coach can shorten the learning curve, not to mention revealing things to…

Practically every day small businesses run into issues or problems that need to be addressed. Perhaps, in today’s economic climate these situations are even more prevalent than in the past centering around cash flow, marketing, customer service, employee concerns, loss in productivity and sales, or a whole host of other issues. Depending on the issue,…

Starting and operating a small business is both exciting and overwhelming. The first steps require risk, passion, and commitment to transform a vision into reality. Once a business is established and out of the starting blocks, the business must prepare for growth…and success…by focusing on basic principles or operating factors that are important for any…

In business, there are always alternatives. Should we do this or do that? If we do this, what impact will it have on the bottom line, employees, or customers? If we do that, what effect will it have on our reputation, branding, or goodwill? If we disrupt the market, will it be positive or negative…

When walking into a business, calling on the phone, having service work done, or viewing a website, have you ever asked yourself the question, “How can the owner not see this?”  What Owners Don’t See It might be: •    A disinterested person answering the phone•    Signage that can’t be read •    Slow and annoying sales process•  …

Does everyone in a business have a separate job, or should all jobs in a business be contributing to the same, ultimate goal? Are jobs and job functions the same, or is there a difference? What would employees normally say if they were gathered together in a conference room and the owner asked, “What is…

It’s been a tough year. As a small business owner or executive, you are probably wondering what 2021 will bring and what actions you should take. Because of this, and in the spirit of the holidays, for a limited time, take the Fix This Next Assessment, schedule a one-hour coaching session, and Pay What You Will….

What actually is a purpose statement and does a small business or SME really need one? A very concise purpose of a purpose statement is that it defines why a business is in existence, what it stands for, what it intends to accomplish, and/or benefits it seeks to provide to its various stakeholders. To a…

Too often a recurring philosophy is that market research is (1) only beneficial for large companies or (2) too expensive for small businesses and SMEs. Certainly, market research is beneficial to large companies, but it is equally important and beneficial to small businesses and SMEs, as well. The Process The beauty of market research is…

Growth and success in a small business or SME is not accomplished overnight or by accident. A business owner must prepare for growth and eventual success by focusing on five basic “P” principles…plan, people, prioritize, processes, and pace. When these are mastered, you’ll see a business headed in the right direction.  1. Plan Owners must…

It is imperative for a small business to make the most of every dollar spent on marketing. Various sources of marketing must be thoroughly analyzed for the immediate return on investment, subsequent return on investment, and general branding. Unfortunately, many small businesses do not take full advantage of resources available that can stretch the amount…

Good leadership is incredibly important for any business regardless of size. Whether an individual is an owner, executive, director, manager, or supervisor, business success is a by-product of good leadership. Business leadership inspires employees to achieve common goals. Successful leaders do not demand but, instead, motivate employees to pursue paths of action that align with…